A cycling weekend in Iceland is an opportunity to discover some of the most unique landscapes on the planet. The fact that they are only a short flight away makes it all the more memorable, as we pack some of the most amazing geological features into this short trip. Based in Reykjavik, our cycling takes in the highlights of the Reykjanes Peninsula, with lava fields, volcanic fissures, hot springs and of course hot pools all within reach. We finish the trip with a short sharp climb up Mt Hengill, an imposing volcano, before winding down to Reykjavik for a soak in a thermal pool.

Highlights

3 days cycling through wonderful landscape

Hot springs, volcanos and coastal cycling

Time in Reykjavik

Key information

4 nights Reykjavik hotel

3 days cycling with full vehicle support

Undulating terrain with 100% tarmac

Route follows mainly country roads, with some climbs and little traffic

Day 2

For our first taste of cycling in Iceland we follow the west coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula. This is where the North Atlantic Ridge comes ashore and where the Eurasian and North American Tectonic Plates are pulling apart. The many fissures we see on our ride are a visual reminder of this and the landscape here is very lunar, with vast lava fields stretching before us. We also see firsthand Iceland's geothermal activity here, with hot springs a regular feature. The peninsula itself was formed (like much of Iceland) by volcanic activity and though it has been largely quiet for 800 years there are regularly small tremors. The area also has a long and rich fishing tradition. Due to the hazardous sailing conditions numerous lighthouses were built around the peninsula and our day is bookended by two of them. We cycle through four fishing villages and as we approach the last of the four, Grindavik, we take a small detour to the Hopesnes Peninsula, home to another famous lighthouse.Shipwrecks were a common occurrence here over the past century, mainly British and Icelandic trawlers and in places some debris is still on view. At the end of our ride we transfer back to Reykjavik.

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch

Day 3

Leaving Reykjavik we transfer a short distance to Krisuvik, an active geothermal area known for its hot springs. From here we ride the south coast of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Shortly after we begin, our route takes us past Graenavatn or Green Lake. This is considered one of the most interesting geological phenomena in Iceland, which is really saying something given the plethora of geological features here. It sits in what's known as a Maar, which is a type of volcanic crater formed by an explosion, rather than an eruption. It takes its green colour from the amount of sulphur in the lake and is a surprising 45 metres deep. We then continue on south towards the coast, before turning inland to Hveragerdi, a town known for its greenhouses that are used to produce all manner of fruit and vegetables. The town is effectively built on a hot spring so hot water and steam are never in short supply. We end our day in a geothermally heated swimming pool, the perfect way to relax and unwind. After our dip we transfer back to Reykjavik.

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch

Day 4

We start our ride at Thingvellir, one of the most important sites in Iceland's history. This was the site of the first assembly or parliament, in 930. Today it is a national park and World Heritage Area, formed to protect the parliament area and the natural wonders around it. We cycle along the western side of Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland and alongside the Mt Hengill volcano which last erupted 2000 years ago. Climbing the mountain is around 250m of ascent over 3 km, but provides a nice challenge. We then wind our way through the magical valleys and ridges of the mountain before starting our descent towards Reykjavik. We ride down the Elliðaá river valley and then over to Laugardalur valley, and finish our day at the largest swimming complex in Reykjavik. Here we take time to enjoy geothermally heated indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs of many different temperatures and a steam bath. This is a key part of Icelandic culture, a place for locals to socialise and relax, and even do business. This is a far more authentic experience than the more commercial, tourist-focussed pool complexes.

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch

Day 5

Our trip ends after breakfast in Reykjavik.

Meals included:
Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Essential Info

Visas

Iceland

Vaccinations

Iceland

Eating and Drinking

Breakfasts are mainly continental style, lunches are generally picnics and the main meal of the day is usually local fish or lamb specialties, plus European standards such as pasta, chicken etc.

Vegetarians and those with special dietary requirements can be catered for, but may get a little less variety in the meals provided. Please advise us of any special requirements at the time of booking.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is classified Moderate, Activity level 3. The route follows quiet country roads with little traffic. This trip requires a reasonable level of fitness due to the distances covered each day, however altitude gain is minimal and the terrain is not challenging. The weather can often be challenging in Iceland, as it is changeable. Headwinds are not uncommon so modest distances can become more challenging. There is full vehicle support throughout.

Accommodation

Hotels Klettur, Skuggi or Lind

Tourism has increased enormously in Iceland over the past few years. Consequently, hotels are in high demand. On this trip, we can stay in the Hotel Klettur, Hotel Skuggi or the Fosshotel Lind. All offer comfortable en suite rooms and are walking distance from the harbour and the main street.

All offer are typical modern Reykjavik hotels with good amenities, comfortable en suite rooms, free wifi and are walking distance from the centre of Reykjavik.

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Dates & Prices

An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros

Cons

May be the most direct route

Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.

As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.

You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.

a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination.

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros

Cons

Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.

Through fare tickets can be expensive.

On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.

Published fares are non-refundable.

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros

Cons

You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.

You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.

On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client.

Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate If you book arrangements other than an ATOL protected flight or a package holiday, the financial protection referred to above does not apply. Our ATOL number is 2582 and our ABTA number is Y0751.

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